Ever find a gift directly in your path like it was meant for you?

I did a few weeks ago, and it was a book. And a wonderful one at that! It’s called Start Where You Are, and the author is a Buddhist Nun called Pema Chodron. Pema Chodron is a Tibetan Buddhist. She is a nun for regular folks. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to enjoy this book. The book is a guide for compassionate living and coping with the challenges we all face.

I had previously read some of her quotes, and watched a couple of you tube videos, but until now had never read a book of hers. She speaks about how compassion starts with the words, thoughts and actions of every day life. This is a really lovely and wonderful and helpful book. Its practical, insightful and down to earth. I plan on reading more from her now. And when I am finished with this book? I will be returning it to exactly where I found it. The path of an unsuspecting stranger.

It has also inspired me to go through my own bookshelves and donate some books of my own like this. Finding a book in this way made me really happy. It came to me just hours before boarding a plane to visit my family after a long absence. It was a perfect accompaniment for my trip. I’m still using the bookmark it came with. It’s simply a piece of paper that says FREE. Namaste.